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Biology > Biology STAAR > Flashcards

Biology STAAR Flashcards

1
Q

activation energy

A

energy needed to start a chemical reaction; lowered by enzymes

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2
Q

active transport

A

movement of molecules across a membrane requiring energy to be expended by the cell

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3
Q

adaptation

A

inherited characteristic that increases an organism’s chance of survival

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4
Q

allele

A

the different forms of a gene; could be dominant or recessive

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5
Q

amino acid

A

basic building blocks of proteins

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6
Q

analogous structures

A

structures that do not have a common evolutionary origin but are similar in form or function

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7
Q

anaphase

A

the third phase of mitosis, during which the chromosome pairs separate and move toward opposite poles

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8
Q

antibiotic

A

compound that blocks the growth and reproduction of bacteria

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9
Q

archaea

A

domain of unicellular prokaryotes that have cell walls that do not contain peptidoglycan

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10
Q

ATP

A

a nucleotide that stores and transfers energy within cells

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11
Q

autotroph

A

organism that can capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and use it to produce its own food; also called a producer

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12
Q

bacteria

A

domain of unicellular prokaryotes that have cell walls containing peptidoglycans

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13
Q

bacteriophage

A

virus that infects bacteria

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14
Q

base deletion

A

mutation which results in the loss of nucleotide pairs in a gene; have a major effect on the resulting protein

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15
Q

base insertion

A

mutation which results in the addition of nucleotide pairs in a gene; have a major effect on the resulting protein

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16
Q

base-pair substitution

A

a type of point mutation where one nucleotide and its partner are replaced by another pair of nucleotides

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17
Q

behavioral adaptation

A

an inherited behavior that helps an organism survive; like escaping from predators or find a mate

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18
Q

binary fission

A

asexual reproduction in prokaryotes by which one cell divides into two identical cells

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19
Q

binomial nomenclature

A

Classification system in which each species is assigned a two-part scientific name including the genus and species

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20
Q

biodiversity

A

the variety of different species in a given area

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21
Q

biogeochemical cycle

A

process in which elements, chemical compounds, and other forms of matter are passed from one organism to another and from one part of the biosphere to another; like the carbon and nitrogen cycle

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22
Q

biomass

A

the total amount of living matter within a given trophic level

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23
Q

capsid

A

the outer covering of protein surrounding the nucleic acid of a virus

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24
Q

carbohydrate

A

organic compound used by cells to store and release energy; composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

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25
Q

carbon cycle

A

the organic circulation of carbon from the atmosphere into organisms and back again

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26
Q

carnivore

A

a consumer that only eats other consumers

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27
Q

catalyst

A

substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction; like an enzyme

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28
Q

cell

A

basic unit of life

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29
Q

cell cycle

A

the cycle of growth and reproduction of a cell, consisting of interphase (g1, s, g2) and mitosis (division of the nucleus-prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) and cytokinesis (division of cytoplasm)

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30
Q

cell division

A

the process by which a cell divides into two new daughter cells

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31
Q

cell membrane

A

The lipid bilayer that forms the outer boundary of the cell

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32
Q

cell wall

A

a rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane and provides support to the cell; made of carbohydrates

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33
Q

cellular respiration

A

process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen

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34
Q

centriole

A

organize the spindle fibers to separate chromosomes during animal cell mitosis

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35
Q

centromere

A

area where the chromatids of a chromosome are attached

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36
Q

chlorophyll

A

green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy used to carry out photosynthesis

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37
Q

chloroplast

A

organelle found in cells of plants and some other organisms that captures the energy from sunlight and converts it into chemical energy

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38
Q

chromatid

A

one of two identical “sister” parts of a duplicated chromosome

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39
Q

chromosome

A

condensed threads of genetic material formed from chromatin as a cell prepares to divide

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40
Q

cladogram

A

diagram showing evolutionary relationships of organisms with a common ancestor; resembles a tree

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41
Q

climax community

A

a relatively stable long-lasting community reached in a successional series

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42
Q

codon

A

in RNA, a three-base “word” that codes for one amino acid

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43
Q

commensalism

A

symbiotic relationship in which one member of the association benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed

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44
Q

comparative embryology

A

study of multicellular organisms as they develop from fertilized eggs to fully formed organisms. shows how organisms are related by evolution.

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45
Q

competition

A

the struggle between organisms to survive in a habitat with limited resources

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46
Q

concentration gradient

A

difference in concentration of a substance on two sides of a membrane

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47
Q

consumer

A

an organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms

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48
Q

crossing over

A

exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis

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49
Q

cytokinesis

A

division of the cytoplasm

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50
Q

cytoplasm

A

a jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended

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51
Q

decomposer

A

organism that breaks down and obtains energy from dead organic matter

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52
Q

differentiation

A

process in which cells become specialized in structure and function

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53
Q

diffusion

A

the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration; passive

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54
Q

dihybrid cross

A

genetic cross using two traits with two alleles each

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55
Q

diploid number

A

cell condition in which two of each type of chromosome are present

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56
Q

disturbance

A

A discrete event that disrupts an ecosystem or community. Examples of natural disturbances include fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and floods. Examples of human-caused disturbances include deforestation, overgrazing, and plowing.

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57
Q

DNA

A

deoxyribonucleic acid, the material that contains the information that determines inherited characteristics

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58
Q

domain

A

Most inclusive taxonomic category; larger than a kingdom

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59
Q

dominant

A

trait that will show up in an organism’s phenotype if gene is present

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60
Q

double helix

A

two strands of nucleotides wound about each other; structure of DNA

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61
Q

ecological succession

A

gradual change in living communities that follows a disturbance

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62
Q

ecosystem

A

living and nonliving things in an environment, together with their interactions

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63
Q

egg

A

Female sex cell

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64
Q

embryo

A

organism in its early stage of development

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65
Q

endoplasmic reticulum

A

a system of membranes that is found in a cell’s cytoplasm and that assists in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and in the production of lipids

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66
Q

energy pyramid

A

a diagram that shows the amount of energy that moves from one feeding level to another in a food web

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67
Q

enzyme

A

protein that speeds up a chemical reaction

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68
Q

equilibrium

A

When the concentration of a solute is the same throughout a solution

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69
Q

eukaryote

A

A cell that contains a nucleus and membrane bound organelles

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70
Q

evolution

A

the gradual change in a species over time

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71
Q

experiment

A

the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation

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72
Q

facilitated diffusion

A

movement of specific molecules across cell membranes through protein channels; passive transport

73
Q

fertilization

A

the joining of a sperm cell and an egg cell

74
Q

fever

A

a rise in the temperature of the body

75
Q

fitness

A

the ability of an individual to survive and reproduce in its specific environment

76
Q

food chain

A

a series of steps in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

77
Q

food web

A

a diagram that shows the feeding relationships between organisms in an ecosystem

78
Q

fossil

A

the remains (or an impression) of a plant or animal that existed in a past geological age and that has been excavated from the soil

79
Q

gamete

A

egg or sperm sex cell that contains a single set of chromosomes (haploid), one from each homologous pair

80
Q

gene

A

sequence of DNA that codes for a protein and thus determines a trait

81
Q

gene flow

A

movement of alleles into or out of a population due to the migration of individuals to or from the population

82
Q

gene pool

A

all of the alleles in all the individuals that make up a population

83
Q

genetics

A

the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms

84
Q

genome

A

the complete genetic material contained in an individual

85
Q

genotype

A

genetic makeup of an organism; like BB, Bb, or bb

86
Q

genus

A

taxonomic group containing one or more species

87
Q

golgi body

A

a structure in a cell that receives proteins and other newly formed materials from the endoplasmic reticulum, packages them, and transports them out of the cell

88
Q

gradualism

A

a model of evolution in which gradual change over a long period of time leads to biological diversity

89
Q

guard cell

A

Pairs of cells that surround stomata and control their opening and closing.

90
Q

habitat

A

the place where an organism lives

91
Q

haploid number

A

half the normal number of chromosomes; found in sex cells

92
Q

herbivore

A

consumer that eats only producers; also called a primary consumer

93
Q

heritable variation

A

difference between organisms (tall flower) that can be passed down between generations and may affect natural selection

94
Q

heterozygous

A

having two different alleles for a trait

95
Q

homeostasis

A

process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment

96
Q

homologous chromosomes

A

Chromosomes that are similar in size, shape, and genetic content

97
Q

homologous structures

A

Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry.

98
Q

homozygous

A

having two identical alleles for a trait

99
Q

hypertonic

A

when comparing two solutions, the solution with the greater concentration of solutes

100
Q

hypotonic

A

when comparing two solutions, the solution with the lesser concentration of solutes

101
Q

independent assortment

A

the random distribution of the pairs of genes on different chromosomes to the gametes

102
Q

infectious disease

A

A disease that is caused by a pathogen and that can be spread from one individual to another.

103
Q

instinct

A

a behavior that an organism inherits

104
Q

isotonic

A

when the concentration of two solutions is the same

105
Q

kingdom

A

large taxonomic group, consisting of closely related phyla

106
Q

lipid

A

macromolecule made mainly from carbon and hydrogen atoms; includes fats, oils, and waxes

107
Q

lysosome

A

cell organelle filled with enzymes needed to break down certain materials in the cell

108
Q

macromolecule

A

any large complex organic molecule

109
Q

meiosis

A

Cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms

110
Q

metaphase

A

second phase of mitosis, during which the chromosomes line up across the center of the cell

111
Q

mitochondria

A

cellular organelles where cellular respiration occurs

112
Q

mitosis

A

part of eukaryotic cell division during which the cell nucleus divides

113
Q

monohybrid cross

A

a cross in which only one characteristic is tracked

114
Q

mutagen

A

physical or chemical agent that causes mutations

115
Q

mutation

A

change in a DNA sequence that affects genetic information

116
Q

mutualism

A

symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit from the relationship

117
Q

natural resource

A

materials found in nature that are used by living things

118
Q

natural selection

A

process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully; also called survival of the fittest

119
Q

negative feedback

A

mechanism of homeostasis that tends to stabilize a process by reducing its rate or output

120
Q

niche

A

the status of an organism within its environment and community (affecting its survival as a species)

121
Q

nitrogen cycle

A

the transfer of nitrogen from the atmosphere to the soil, to living organisms, and back to the atmosphere

122
Q

nuclear membrane

A

controls what goes in and out of the nucleus

123
Q

nucleic acid

A

a long chain of smaller molecules called nucleotides; DNA and RNA

124
Q

nucleotide

A

monomer of nucleic acids made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

125
Q

nucleus

A

a part of the cell containing DNA responsible for growth and reproduction

126
Q

omnivore

A

organism that obtains energy by eating both plants and animals

127
Q

organ

A

a collection of tissues that carry out a specialized function of the body

128
Q

organ system

A

group of organs that work together to perform a specific function

129
Q

organelle

A

a tiny cell structure that carries out a specific function within the cell

130
Q

organism

A

a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently

131
Q

osmosis

A

diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

132
Q

parasitism

A

symbiotic relationship in which one organism lives in or on another organism (the host) and consequently harms it

133
Q

passive transport

A

The movement of materials through a cell membrane without using energy

134
Q

phenotype

A

physical characteristics of an organism; like green eyes, bushy tail or sleek tail

135
Q

phloem

A

the vascular tissue through which food moves in plants

136
Q

photosynthesis

A

process by which plants and some other organisms use light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbohydrates

137
Q

pioneer species

A

first species to populate an area during primary succession

138
Q

predation

A

an interaction in which one organism captures and feeds on another organism

139
Q

primary consumer

A

consumer that feeds directly on producers

140
Q

primary succession

A

the series of changes that occur in an area where no soil or organisms exist

141
Q

producer

A

an organism that can make its own food

142
Q

prokaryote

A

A unicellular organism that LACKS a nucleus and membrane bound organelles

143
Q

prophase

A

first and longest phase of mitosis, during which the chromosomes become visible and the centrioles separate and take up positions on the opposite sides of the nucleus

144
Q

protein

A

macromolecule that contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen; needed by the body for growth and repair and to make up enzymes

145
Q

protein synthesis

A

the formation of proteins by using information contained in DNA and carried by mRNA

146
Q

protist

A

single-celled or simple multicellular eukaryotic organisms that generally do not fit in any other kingdom

147
Q

recessive

A

The inherited characteristic often masked by the dominant characteristic and not seen in an organism.

148
Q

replication

A

(genetics) the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division

149
Q

reproductive isolation

A

separation of species or populations so that they cannot interbreed and produce fertile offspring

150
Q

response

A

a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some stimulus or agent

151
Q

ribosome

A

An organelle that functions in the synthesis of proteins

152
Q

RNA

A

ribonucleic acid; a nucleic acid that plays an important role in the production of proteins

153
Q

secondary consumer

A

consumer that eats primary consumers

154
Q

secondary succession

A

succession following a disturbance that destroys a community without destroying the soil

155
Q

selectively permeable

A

a property of cell membranes that allows some substances to pass through, while others cannot

156
Q

somatic cell

A

Any cell in a multicellular organism except a sperm or egg cell.

157
Q

speciation

A

the formation of new species as a result of evolution

158
Q

species

A

taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

159
Q

stimulus

A

a signal to which an organism responds

160
Q

stomata

A

Small openings on the underside of a leaf through which oxygen and carbon dioxide can move.

161
Q

structural adaptation

A

a physical feature of an organism’s body having a specific function that contributes to the survival of the organism

162
Q

substrate

A

The reactant on which an enzyme works.

163
Q

symbiosis

A

relationship in which two species live closely together

164
Q

taxonomy

A

a classification of organisms into groups based on similarities of structure or origin etc

165
Q

telophase

A

the final stage of meiosis when the chromosomes move toward opposite ends of the nuclear spindle

166
Q

theory

A

well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations

167
Q

tissue

A

group of similar cells that perform a particular function

168
Q

toxin

A

a poison that can harm an organism

169
Q

trait

A

a characteristic that an organism can pass on to its offspring through its genes.

170
Q

transcription

A

process where the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA

171
Q

translation

A

decoding of a mRNA message into a polypeptide chain

172
Q

transpiration

A

loss of water from a plant through its leaves

173
Q

trophic level

A

feeding level in an ecosystem

174
Q

vaccine

A

substance prepared from killed or weakened pathogens and introduced into a body to produce immunity

175
Q

vacuole

A

cell organelle that stores materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates

176
Q

virus

A

package of nucleic acid wrapped in a protein coat that must use a host cell’s machinery to reproduce itself

177
Q

xylem

A

the vascular tissue through which water and nutrients move in plants

178
Q

zygote

A

fertilized egg

Biology (1 decks)

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